VodKazak! The Nikolayev Kapeliah

A spirited blend of Chassidic music

A carefree, joyous melody, dating from the time of the second Chabad Rebbe. It was originally sung by Chassidim as they traveled the road to the town of Lubavitch. Ailu Omrim: This moving melody, composed by early Chabad Chassidim, draws forth the message of the nigun: Contemplating repentance even in monuments of highest rapture. V'nislach: A poignant song from the Yom Kippur service, beseeching G-d to forgive the iniquities of His people. Zol Shion Zein: A spirited song set to words expressing our fervent hope that the redemption come soon and that we shall witness the realization of a perfect world in our lifetime. Chotsh Mi Chudi: A popular and lively Chabad tune.

A spirited Chassidic tune, bursting with joy and drunk with enthusiasm. Originally sung by the Chassid Reb Peretz Mockin and recently popularized by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff, this melody is often sung at weddings and other joyous occasions when spirits are high and also flowing freely.

A simple yet deep melody in three parts, giving introspective expression and a deep yearning for religious inspiration and spiritual elevation. This nigun is of very early origin and is also widely spread among various Chassidic groups.

This Chassidic cantorial song was composed by Reb Avraham Charitonov, of Nikolayev Russia, and was sung in Lubavitch during Pesach, 5659 (1899). The tune is set to the words of Tal Yasis, a prayer for dew, recited during Pesach. "Let dew sweeten, like honey, the mountains; let your chosen ones savor Your goodness; deliver Your beloved ones from bondage, so then we will raise our voices and sing sweet songs, with dew."

A lively melody in two sections expressing devotion and the outpouring of one?s soul to the Almighty, interpreted in the words "Ochein Atoh Kel Misasteir." The inner meaning conveys admiration of the Almighty Who is hidden and unseen, yet present in all of nature?s wonders.

A nigun belonging to the class of Chassidic song known as "Fonke" for its distinctive Russian sound. A joyful melody in three sections, it is sung as a dialogue, in an elevated spirit of Chassidic exultation and joy. The melody was popularized by Reb Shmuel Kantaroff, who studied in the Yeshiva in the town of Lubavitch.

This nigun is often sung before a Chassidic discourse is delivered, setting the mood and opening the hearts of those present. It is a stirring nigun in three sections. It is sung slowly, reflectively, with a contemplative mind and with fullness of heart, expressing introspection and yearning for spiritual elevation.

The renowned chassidic mentor Reb Michoel Blinner used to sing this melody at Chassidic gatherings in the town of Lubavitch. The melody is distinguished for its profundity of content, expressive of intense yearning for spiritual elevation.

Althoiz Like many of the Chassidic songs from Nikolayev this song expresses their trademark ebullience, joy, and enthusiasm. Reb Binyomin Althoiz brought this song to Lubavitch, hence it is named after him.

It is said the both the text and the moving melody were composed by the renowned tzadik, Reb Aryeh Leib, better known as the Shpoler Zeideh (having lived in the town of Shpole in the Ukraine). He was one of the early followers of the Bal Shem Tov, the Founder of Chassidism, and was widely known for his great love and devotion to his fellow Jews. This nigun is a dialogue between the Almighty Father and His children, the People of Israel. The Father looks for His children in galuth (the Diaspora) and implores them to return home to the Holy Land, "Dear children, please return home, I feel forlorn without you."